POYEN, Ark. – Two high school sophomores in Poyen are using technology, storytelling and community to help families remember the loved ones they’ve lost.

Using the app Geocache, used by millions to find hidden containers with the help of GPS, Noah Puckett and Spencer Quick started a project aimed at helping grieving families share memories in a meaningful way.

Puckett said the idea began after discovering caches that told personal stories.

“Me and my sister like to Geocache, and we found some that tell a story,” Puckett said. “So, we thought it might be more of a connection to us to spread his story through this.”

For Noah, the project is personal. His nephew, Christian, passed away in 2024 due to medical complications. When Noah approached his sister, Samantha Pennington, about creating a memorial geocache in Christian’s honor, she immediately said yes.

“It has his date of birth and death. A little bit about his story, that he had a rare disease. What happened to him — and my favorite bible verse related to him,” Pennington said.

She said it’s important to connect with others who have experienced grief.

“It’s a way to commemorate Christian, tell his story, and allow others to connect with grief and what we went through,” Pennington said.

The students are looking for more families wanting to share their loved one’s memories in the project. Those interested can do so by contacting the Poyen’s high school office.

Watch the video of this report by visiting https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/poyen-high-school-students-use-east-school-project-to-honor-loved-ones-who-have-passed-away/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOam6tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSa29xTmQ3UlRySDc2R2VMc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp0un2puKFWVS8scuKRIdO2gjZSNeU7sW2tCClxVywtbJTu0ebxtrMYMqM1A_aem_r7Iw21_zFvBVZ9xPDkZVxQ.